Wantagh Students' Pet Art Project Partners With Starbucks

WANTAGH, NY – Starbucks customers may go into the coffee shop for a cup of dark roast and leave with a longing to adopt a pet.

The shop, at 1143 Wantagh Ave., has walls adorned with dozens of paintings and drawings of dogs and cats needing a home at a local animal shelter.

The portraits were created by some 40 students at Wantagh High School, who partnered with the Last Hope Foundation, an animal rescue organization located across the street from the school building, and Starbucks agreed to exhibit the artworks of the homeless animals.

Art teacher Jaclyn Gentilesco worked with shelter volunteer Joanne Anderson to have students create the portraits. Each student chose the animal whose likeness they wanted to recreate, using whatever materials they wanted, on paper or canvas.

Their masterpieces were displayed in Starbucks where prospective adopters can learn about the sheltered animals.

“The students loved doing something that had a purpose,” Gentilesco said, noting that many of the animals have been adopted since the program launched late last year.

Sophomore Jackie Mundy illustrated a dog named Abbey using oil pastels, and learned that Abbey soon found a home.

“I enjoyed doing the project because it helped get the dog adopted,” she said. “It makes me feel good and hopefully it made the family happy.”

Molly Graff, a tenth grader, selected a short-haired, black and white cat named Jason and created an oil pastel painting.

“I can use my talent to help the animals,” she said. “I’m using my strength to do something good.”

Maylani Lee painted a brown dog with white paws named Kailee. After experimenting with different mediums, she created her final project with acrylic paint and a palette knife, which she said best captured the texture of the dog.

One sign in Starbucks about the project reads: “Our purpose is to create awareness about these furry animals who are in need of a home.”

This is the second year of the partnership between the art students and Last Hope, and Anderson is grateful for their hard work. Together, she said, the paintings and drawings form an impressive display for all in the community to see.

“The effort of the students is amazing,” she said. “You’re teaching them how to draw and paint, but you’re also teaching them how to work with their heart.”